The Return of the King is the towering climax to J. R. R. Tolkien’s trilogy that tells the saga of the hobbits of Middle-earth and the great War of the Rings. In this concluding volume, Frodo and Sam make a terrible journey to the heart of the Land of the Shadow in a final reckoning with the power of Sauron. In addition to narrating the prose passages, Rob Inglis sings the trilogy’s songs and poems a capella, using melodies composed by Inglis and Claudia Howard, the Recorded Books studio director.

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Publisher's Summary

The Return of the King is the towering climax to J. R. R. Tolkien’s trilogy that tells the saga of the hobbits of Middle-earth and the great War of the Rings. In this concluding volume, Frodo and Sam make a terrible journey to the heart of the Land of the Shadow in a final reckoning with the power of Sauron.

In addition to narrating the prose passages, Rob Inglis sings the trilogy’s songs and poems a capella, using melodies composed by Inglis and Claudia Howard, the Recorded Books studio director. This recording also contains Tolkien’s preface to the trilogy, including a prior history of the ring, and shire habitat, history, and folkways.

It's hard to believe that anyone can improve upon Tolkien, but the narrator, Rob Inglis, does it. The characters, the setting, the story, are all richer and more enjoyable because of his excellent narration. If you have not already immersed yourself in the worlds of Middle Earth with Tolkien and Inglis, do it today. You're in for an adventure.

The Lord of the Rings trilogy is as good as ever. After reading the Hobbit books 23 times I have decided that it is just as good as an audio book, and am able to get other things done too! Love this story!

If you could sum up The Return of the King in three words, what would they be?

Great mythic story.

What did you like best about this story?

Tolkien has a great style quite appropriate for his mythic tale. He builds a consistent universe, borrowing elements from Norse and Celtic myth, mingled with the produce of his own rich imagination. The Lord of the Rings Trilogy is among my favorite works of fictions. When I first read it some 40 years ago, it came to its end much too soon for my liking, despite the length of the books.

Rob Inglis is an excellent narrator, with the possible exception of his rendering of Tolkien’s verse into song. He has a rich, theatrical voice, and is (especially in comparison to some other narrators’ work) thoroughly professional in his performance. Also of interest to those who are wondering: the narrator DOES include Tolkien appendices.

What about Rob Inglis’s performance did you like?

It was helpful hearing the pronunciation of Elvish words, phrases, and names. I also typically listen to audiobooks only during lengthy car rides. This production is quite suitable for such journeys, keeping you alert and engaged.

Was this a book you wanted to listen to all in one sitting?

One would have to have a very long sitting to do this!

Any additional comments?

One of the appendices included in this volume is some introductory material from the first volume of the series, _The Fellowship of the Ring_. I can see where including it at the start of that volume might not suit the desire of some listeners to jump right into the tale. As is, this information – basic background of the nature of Hobbits – comes too late to be helpful to any listeners not familiar with them. Perhaps audible should consider restoring this to the _Fellowship_, with an option of skipping directly to the tale if desired?

What made the experience of listening to The Return of the King the most enjoyable?

Finally we come to the end and you can tell that both the narrator and the listener have gone through a journey to come out the other side. Listening to this book is a vastly different experience from the first one.

What did you like best about this story?

The plot comes to it's pinnacle and the narrator's skill is finally comes into its own. The story kept me engaged and I couldn't wait to hear the end. A lot goes on after the quest comes to a close that fans of the moves are unaware.

Which character – as performed by Rob Inglis – was your favorite?

Of all the characters that were my favorite I would have to say Sam outshines them all. I get how Frodo is supposed to be the star, but without the heroism and brevity of Sam all would have come to naught. He is humble and unassuming yet takes no lip from others and if the need calls he is more than capable. Other characters are confident and, at times, brash about their abilities but Sam exemplifies the saying "Walk softly and carry a big stick". You'd never guess it from his personality but crossing him may be the most unwise thing one could do.

Did you have an extreme reaction to this book? Did it make you laugh or cry?

I really liked the book and how the author allowed the readers to say goodbye to each character in turn which is a real treat compared to the endings from other books I've read. You get to know each person and it seems that not only was the reader saying good bye but the author too, which is why it was handled the way it was and part of what made it great.

Any additional comments?

The narrator finally comes into his own with this book. The big problem that plagued the series (especially in the first book) were the songs / poems, as the narrator would often sing very quietly which, consequently, caused you to turn the volume up to hear what was being said...until the song ended and your ears were blown out your skull!

Those days are gone with this book and the songs / poems are a real treat. I didn't hear a peep of background noise (another problem in book 1 at a few instances) and the 3+ hours of bonus content at the end really helped to make a listener fell they not only got their money's worth but a real value to boot.

I have read these books many times but, listening to Mr. Inglis really brings them to life in the mind. His smooth, clear speech vanish into the background as the images spring to the imagination. This is a great book read by a great reader. Thank You Mr. Inglis!

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